The quirky crossover that proves Korean SUVs can rival Toyota in reliability
For years, the default answer to the question “which used SUV should I buy?” » has almost always directed buyers towards Japan. Reliability has become so deeply tied to Toyota and Honda that many buyers overlook how much Korean automakers have improved over the past decade. Quietly, some of the most reliable and economical crossovers on the road have started coming out of Seoul.
What makes this crossover particularly interesting is that it doesn’t even try to imitate its Japanese rivals. Rather than blending into traffic with conservative style and sterile practicality, he leans into his odd personality. The boxy silhouette, funky cabin design and almost playful attitude make it completely different from the sea of anonymous compacts. SUV clutter the market today. But behind all that charm lies something much more important to used buyers: a truly solid long-term ownership history.
It’s this combination that gives it such surprising appeal on the second-hand market. It’s cheap to buy, inexpensive to run, incredibly practical for its size, and backed by reliability scores that challenge long-held stereotypes around Korean cars. For buyers who want something reliable without settling for yet another predictable appliance, this quirky little crossover proves there’s more than one path to long-term peace of mind.
In order to provide you with the most current and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article comes from various manufacturer websites, including EPA, CarEdge, and JD Power.
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The Kia Soul proves that a crossover doesn’t have to come from Japan to be reliable
Original and built to last
The subcompact SUV segment is full of options from a number of different automakers, and if you’re looking to buy used vehicles, there are plenty of deals to be had. Simply opting for a three-year-old, little-used model can save you thousands of dollars. This, however, is where reliability concerns come in. The traditional solution would be to go with something Japanese, but the little Kia Soul silences the naysayers with a reliability record that exceeds that of its Japanese rivals.
Reliability and maintenance of the 2023 Kia Soul
- Reliability score: 87/100 (JD Power)
- Average annual maintenance costs: $437 (Repairer)
- Average maintenance costs over ten years: $7,396 (CarEdge)
The Kia Soul is a perfect demonstration of how there are many Korean vehicles built to last. The 2023 model year scores a whopping 87 out of 100 for quality and reliability. For context, the Toyota RAV4 of the same model year earned a score of 76. Maintenance costs aren’t exceptionally low, but CarEdge estimates them to be about average.
Buying a 2023 Kia Soul also means you should get a balance of bumper-to-bumper warranty and powertrain warranty. Standard bumper-to-bumper coverage lasts five years or 60,000 miles and the powertrain is covered for ten years or 100,000 miles.
Korean cars have a bad reputation
Back when Japanese brands like Honda and Toyota were trying to break into the American market, they were hit by a wave of naysayers who called their cars cheap junk that wouldn’t last. This is largely simply because they have undercut their American rivals. It seems that it is now the turn of Korean car manufacturers to suffer this inappropriate criticism.
The truth is that the data we have on modern Korean vehicles shows that they are no worse than their rivals. In Consumer Report’s annual list of the most reliable automakers on the market, Kia and Hyundai rank higher than Chevrolet, Audi, Volvo and even Mazda. Kia in particular also ranked higher than Ford.
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You can get a 2023 Kia Soul for less than any new car on the market
Frugal but full of character
The most affordable new car on the market right now is the Kia K4, which starts just above $22,000. This year marks the first year that no new options are available for less than $20,000. This only makes little-used options, like the 2023 Kia Soul, all the more appealing.
Versions and prices of the 2023 Kia Soul
|
Model |
Average list price |
|---|---|
|
LX |
$17,236 |
|
S |
$17,974 |
|
GT Line |
$19,964 |
|
EX |
$20,132 |
On the used market, a 2023 Kia Soul sells for an average of $18,023. There are also tons of models available, which means you can easily shop around for the best deal. On average, a three-year-old Kia Soul costs about $5,000 less than when it was new, which means you’re saving quite a bit of money.
Among the versions available, we would definitely opt for the GT-Line. It’s not much more expensive than the base LX and S, but it comes with tons of extra equipment that helps make it feel a little more modern. We’d specifically look for a GT-Line that’s optioned with the Tech Package, because that means you’ll get things like heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, leatherette-upholstered seats, and a premium audio system.
Interior comfort and technology
|
Headroom in the first row |
39.9 inches |
|---|---|
|
Front row legroom |
41.1 inches |
|
Second Row Head Room |
39.5 inches |
|
Second row legroom |
38.8 inches |
|
Cargo capacity (behind second row) |
24.2 cubic feet |
Inside, the Soul is as original as it is on the outside. However, none of its interesting design elements take away from its practicality, with plenty of space in the rear row of seats and a very spacious cargo hold. The Soul is a budget-oriented crossover, which means you’re going to feel some cheap and rough plastics, but that’s to be expected from such an affordable SUV.
All models except the base model come with a 10.3-inch infotainment screen mounted in the dash, with the most affordable model getting an eight-inch unit instead. All the modern features you want are available here, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, in-dash navigation, and even ambient interior lighting. The GT-Line model can even be equipped with a Harman/Kardon audio system.
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It’s not fast, but it’s exceptionally fuel efficient.
Another way this Kia saves you money
When you buy an economy car, you want to know that it will save you money in all the ways that matter. The Kia Soul is reliable and inexpensive, but just as important, it’s fuel efficient. The downside, of course, is that it doesn’t really perform well.
Performance of the 2023 Kia Soul
- Base trim motor
-
2.0L I-4 Gasoline
- Base Trim Transmission
-
Continuously variable automatic (CVT)
- Basic transmission
-
Front wheel drive
- Basic power
-
147 hp
- Basic trim torque
-
132 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm
- Fuel economy
-
29/35 MPG
- Do
-
Kia
- Model
-
Soul
- Segment
-
Subcompact SUV
Every 2023 model is equipped with the same small four-pot under the hood. This engine develops 147 horsepower, which it sends exclusively to the front wheels. It also comes standard with a CVT. This setup means it takes the Soul about eight seconds to reach 60 miles per hour, but it still feels peppy enough to keep up with traffic.
The Soul focuses more on comfort than commitment. The steering is light and lacking in feedback and the handling is just okay. However, the ride quality is excellent and the little Kia is able to absorb most road bumps without any complaints. More importantly, it’s extremely frugal, with the EPA rating the small crossover up to 31 miles per gallon combined.
Kia’s little Soul seems to get better with age
When it was launched, the Soul was the subject of much mockery. Its countercultural style leaned a little too far in the fun direction for most buyers. However, as time passes, we feel we have softened to this turbulent little crossover. The Kia is also simply a good deal, ticking all the right boxes for a budget-conscious buyer looking to keep costs low. It is affordable, practical, fuel efficient and offered at an exceptionally acceptable price. What more could you ask for?
